TSA says cargo-screening goal was reached

The Transportation Security Administration said the airline industry has met a key requirement of the 9/11 Act by screening 100% of air cargo on domestic passenger aircraft.

To meet the mandate, the TSA created the Certified Cargo Screening Program, which allows certified facilities across the country to screen cargo before it reaches the airport.

Prior to the Aug. 1 deadline, over 900 facilities became CCSP-certified. The program spreads the cargo screening responsibility, on a voluntary basis, throughout the supply chain to manufacturing facilities and distribution centers.

The effort has enabled over half of the more than 9 million pounds of cargo loaded onboard passenger-carrying planes each day to be prescreened, avoiding potential bottlenecks at airports, said the TSA.

The TSA said it is working to improve cargo security on passenger flights originating in other countries. The TSA said it requires 100% of high-risk cargo to undergo security screening and has increased the requirements for overall cargo screening.